Angelina Mas, Andorran Women's Suffrage Pioneer, Dies at 82

Angelina Mas, a pioneering activist in women's rights and social causes in Andorra, has died at the age of 82.

The businesswoman and former president of the Caixa Andorrana de la Seguretat Social (CASS) passed away on Tuesday after a period of declining health. Born in 1943 in Encamp to a family that had lost their hotel in the 1936 floods, Mas grew up in Casa Oros and later pursued studies in France before entering family businesses and marrying.

She played a central role in the late-1960s women's movement that secured women's suffrage in 1971, forming part of the Grup de Dones and initial gatherings that advanced demands for political rights. Described as the last surviving figure from that effort, she received the Orde de Carlemany in 2025 alongside other suffragists, including Maria Molné, in recognition of their contributions.

Mas's commitments extended beyond suffrage. She advocated for issues like abortion rights two decades ago and remained engaged with women's demands. As president of Amida, she led efforts to integrate accessibility standards for people with disabilities into new buildings under the 1995 law. At the CASS, she pushed for responsive social security, including higher contributions to safeguard pensions, adaptations for medical advances, and free periodic health checks focused on prostate, colon, and women's health after age 50.

Her activism spanned entities such as the Associació de Dones Migrants i d’Andorra (ADMA), Grup de Dones per a la Reflexió i l’Acció, Càritas, the parents' association at the Lycée, and the Associació de Consumidors i Usuaris (ACU). Politically, she was active in the Partit Demòcrata, Agrupament Nacional Democràtic, and Partit Liberal.

Head of Government Xavier Espot described her as one of the "outstanding and admired figures of modern Andorra," highlighting her defence of women’s and disability rights. Subsíndica General Sandra Codina called her a "key figure in the history of women’s rights." Tributes came from Mari Carmen Barbero, who praised her courage and kindness; Mònica Coste, who credited her suffrage work with a major leap for the country; and Agustina Grandvallet, who noted her practical approach to helping others.

Mas was the widow of Antoni Pintat Santolària and mother of three, including Pepi Pintat, president of the Esquí Federation, and Antoni Pintat Mas, at Crèdit Andorrà. She maintained a low-profile life in Encamp after retiring from public roles.